curve.fit

Two Slit Interference

The double-slit intensity pattern: interference fringes inside a single-slit diffraction envelope, on a constant background. Use it for light intensity measured across a two-slit pattern.

Fit the example dataStart with your own data

Example: simulated light intensity across a double-slit pattern, 126 points with y uncertainties, opened as a new copy you can edit.

Parameters

Intensity at the center of the pattern, above the background.
Envelope parameter: the envelope’s first zeros are at xₒ ± π/k₁.
Fringe parameter: neighboring bright fringes are π/k₂ apart.
Center of the pattern.
Constant background.

Tips

  • Here sinc(u) = sin(u)/u.
  • Automatic starting values estimate k₁ from the envelope, k₂ from the fringe spacing and xₒ from the bright center. If the fit settles a fringe off, enter guesses: k₂ ≈ π divided by the fringe spacing, and k₁ ≈ π divided by the distance from the center to the first zero of the envelope.
  • For small angles, with x the position on a screen a distance L from the slits, k₁ = πa/(λL) and k₂ = πd/(λL), where a is the slit width, d the slit separation and λ the wavelength.
  • For one slit, use Single Slit Diffraction, which is this model with k₂ = 0.

Related models